Border states gear up for ‘Operation Shield’; mock drills in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan on Saturday

As part of 'Operation Shield', security agencies will conduct a state-wide mock drill exercise in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan on Saturday. The drills are conducted with the aim of enhancing preparedness and ensuing awareness in regions amid the cross-border tensions. 

The 'Operation Shield' exercise comes days after the nationwide drills held on May 7 following the Pahalgam terror attack in April and escalating India-Pakistan tensions. 

The Home Ministry had issued directives following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. 

The drill is set to take place under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968. The exercise will be coordinated by the Additional Director General of Civil Defence. 

The mock drill is scheduled from 5 pm onwards. Air raid warning systems, complete blackouts, evacuation in case of enemy attack, medical team deployment, and activation of hotlines between the Air Force and Civil Defence Control rooms will also be conducted during the drill. 

According to the Punjab government, a complete blackout would be implemented in vulnerable residential areas, excluding emergency and critical services. 

Meanwhile, Haryana government said that it will conduct the mock drills across all 22 districts to enhance the state's emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Officials said that the exercise will begin at 5 pm and the drills will simulate critical incidents such as air raids, drone attacks, and other wartime scenarios, reported PTI.

Additionally, a controlled blackout of 15 minutes will be observed from 8 pm to 8.15 pm near vital installations in Haryana, with exception of essential emergency services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.

In Rajasthan, mock drills will be held across all 41 districts.